Page feedback

Page feedback

Thank you

We appreciate you taking the time to help us.

Other airlines

Click an airline logo to find out about their services.

Lost and damaged baggage

Every day we take great pride in carrying thousands of bags safely and speedily to their final destination where the vast majority arrive on time and in tip-top condition. We aim for perfection, but when something goes wrong we’ll pull out all the stops to resolve the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Finding delayed and lost baggage

The sooner you report a problem to us the quicker we can resolve it. That’s why if your bags haven’t arrived on time and we have been unable to notify you, it’s really important that you tell us about it while you’re still at the airport.

If you reported your bags missing at the airport you do not need to take any further action. We are working hard to reunite you with your bags and will be in touch when we find them. Check the status of your bag

If you left the airport without reporting the problem and you do not have a baggage file reference number please call us at the earliest opportunity.

For help retrieving hand baggage and property left on board our aircraft, please read our lost property FAQ

When you report a problem we’ll give you a baggage file reference number which is a series of five letters and five numbers such as JFKBA12345 (this is different to the baggage receipt you were given when checking your bags in).

As soon as we find your bag we will return it to you for free to any address you choose. (This service is not available in some countries due to local government restrictions but we will advise you if this applies.) Most bags are reunited with their owners within 72 hours.

Claiming for lost baggage, damaged baggage and damaged and missing contents

Before making a claim, please ensure you have told us about your damage or loss and have a reference number (e.g. the baggage file reference number from a delayed bag report):

A personal travel insurance policy will likely provide a greater level of cover than we can offer. We therefore recommend that you contact your insurer before making a claim directly with us. We will provide you with a written report, on request, to send to your insurer as proof of loss, damage or delay to your baggage, in support of your claim.

If you do not have travel insurance that covers you for any relevant loss, you may claim from us for the following reasons within the set deadlines:

If you need to purchase essential items because your baggage is delayed for an extended period of time, please do so, remembering to keep all your receipts, and then submit them to us in the 'On Arrival' section on our baggage compensation claim form. We will reimburse you as quickly as possible.

Insurance and baggage liability limitations

Whilst we will make every attempt to ensure your baggage is handled with care, you should know that British Airways’ liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges paid.

The extent of airline liability is not based on the weight of the bag nor its value. British Airways does not accept liability for fragile, valuable, perishable articles or baggage which is packed in damaged or unsuitable containers.

Under the Conditions of Carriage we accept no liability for the loss of jewellery, other valuables and money contained in checked baggage. You are advised to keep valuables, important documents and money either on your person or in your hand baggage.

We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance cover prior to your journey. Use the following links for further information: